January 26 / Seeds of Spring

Planting and Tending Your Garden

SEED OF TRUTH
Read Ephesians 4:1-3.

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:1-3‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Slowly and prayerfully reread verses 1 and 2. What is God saying to you about your role as a wife, as a mother, as a sister, as a friend? What thought pattern, heart attitude, or behavior do you need to change? When do you need to be more gentle? With whom do you need to have more patience? What do you need to do to bear with others, in love, and not just BEAR with them? Remember, beloved believer, do this all for the glory of God and for the sake of His precious gospel.

When we get angry, have a critical spirit, or jump to conclusions, we break unity with the body of Christ. The Lord wants us to watch over our hearts with all diligence. Paul says to be eager, on the alert, make every effort, and be quick to restore any brokenness or any offense. Today be one who is "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3).

PLANT THE SEED
Quietly recite today's focus verse to yourself. Hide it in your heart and meditate on it throughout the day.

Ephesians 4:1-2
"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love."

WATER THE SEED
The memory verse for today needs no explanation. It is a call to holiness inside and out, a holiness that comes from putting the Lord first and then others before self. I urge you to accept Paul's challenge and make this verse your goal, not only today, but also for the remainder of this study, or better still, your life! Now ask the Lord for His help to make this scripture true of you.

BEAR THE FRUIT
Walk in a manner worthy of the calling.

CLOSE IN PRAYER
Ask the Lord to bring to life all that has been planted in your heart today.

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